It’s been several years ago, but SCDNR did a study on the crappie caught after one of South Carolina Crappie Association’s tournaments on Lake Murray. This was probably close to 10 years ago now. They studied fish donated to them after the weigh in. I remember there was a 2.40ish caught and I believe that fish was 11 years old. Another 2lber was 8 years old if I remember correctly.
I don’t know if there’s a hard fast rule in size and age. I would think it depends on the body of water and the location too. For instance, you could have a pond with a ton of stunted little fish that could be “old”. Genetics play a large role in it too IMO. Some fish would never reach 3lb in their lifetimes if left alone while others could potentially get to 4-5lb….no different than deer. I’m sure there are “culls” in the fish world but no way to identify.
Very interesting topic. I heard sometime a go that a crappie could put on a pound a year if the conditions were perfect.
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